Stories & More for Preschoolers: Thursdays at 11:00 am
We’re looking forward to another season of these weekly gatherings for preschool children and their caregivers, every Thursday morning at 11:00 am. Miss Maryellen will lead a lively hour of stories, songs, rhymes and hands-on craft activities, helping young learners develop vital early literacy skills, and helping families discover all the library has to offer. No advance registration is needed – just drop in and join the fun. Stories & More takes place weekly throughout the school year, with the exception of selected holidays. Check our calendar for schedule updates.
Wayne Pope – Birds of Michigan: October 5
Learn about fascinating and beautiful native bird species with photographer and birding expert Wayne Pope. He’ll share his new book, which includes photographs, natural history notes, personal observations and even poems, documenting and celebrating our avian friends. Copies of his book will be available to purchase. Wayne’s presentation will take place at 6:30 pm.
The Dunes of Lake Michigan’s Eastern Shore: October 10
Experience the unique beauty of our Lake Michigan shoreline in this presentation by photographer Rich Ackerman. His new book is the result of a lifetime of photographing the miles of towering perch dunes, marshes and fens, forests, plants and wildlife. His work expresses the realism, beauty and spiritual joy of these unique ecosystem, chronicling the ever changing zone where land and lake meet. The book is available exclusively at the Cottage Book Shop and Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, Illinois. Copies will also be available for purchase at the library on the night of his presentation. The program will take place at 7:00 pm.
Christy Clavio – Music of the Mbira: October 12
Join us for a special musical experience with Christy Clavio featuring traditional Zimbabwean music performed on the Mbira. The cyclical nature of the music combined with interwoven polyrhythm and trance inducing melodies creates a captivating sound experience. Christy is a professional musician, teaching artist, and social worker, currently residing in Ludington, Michigan. Inspired by her love for music, Christy has worked with diverse populations presenting innovative multi-cultural music programs that celebrate diversity. She has studied and performed with many accomplished musicians and participated in African music events in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Her concert will take place at 2:00 pm, in our Program Room.
Dr. Robert Van Dellen – Reflections on Literature: November 7
Dr. Robert Van Dellen will discuss his new book “Reflections on Literature: Exploring Meanings & Messages”. This first volume of a planned series explores the works of significant 20th century authors, including Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, George Orwell and more. Dr. Van Dellen is a retired college professor and president, and continues to lecture in both Michigan and Florida. Copies of his book will be available for purchase. The lecture till take place at 7:00 pm in our Program Room.
Ellie Harold – Monet, Mitchell & Me: November 29
Painter Ellie Harold will discuss her new book, an account of her 2022 pilgrimage to Paris, seeking inspiration from a special exhibition of works by Claude Monet and Joan Mitchell. Her travels continued along the Seine River and the towns and countryside of Normandy. Equal parts travelogue and personal meditation, the book explores her ongoing discovery of what it means to be an artist. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the reading, which will take place at 7:00 pm in our Program Room.
TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten
Here’s a great new resource to support early childhood learning, delivered right to your cell phone. Register via a brief online form, and receive 8 – 10 text messages per month, each outlining a simple activity you can share with your little one. Or, even more simply, just text TALK to 75547. Many thanks to the Ypsilanti District Library and their partners for making this service available to all Michigan residents!